AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
Tickets for vans to the airport can be purchased at the office of Transportes Aeropuerto Oaxaca, Alameda de León 1G, across from the Cathedral; open M-Sat 9-2 and 5-8. Buy your ticket on Saturday if you leave on Monday.

DINING HOURS
Mexicans dine later than in the U.S. Some restaurants and buffets won’t be ready when you are. Keep these hours in mind: Breakfast: 8-10 a.m., Lunch 2-4 p.m., Dinner 8-10 p.m.

DRUGSTORES
The Farmacias del Ahorro stay open late and they have free delivery by calling 515.5000

ETIQUETTE
Mexicans are very polite. Foreigners who ask questions politely, and say “Por favor” and “Gracias” will be rewarded. Mexicans are also very formal; an invitation to a private home, no matter how humble, is considered an honor. In religious ceremonies observe the solemnity of the occasion and refrain from taking pictures unless you’ve asked for permission first.

FREE ADMISIONS
Most Museums and archeological sites are free on Sunday for Mexicans with ID.

GUELAGUETZA
The internationally recognized cultural festival of folkloric dances from the seven regions of the state is only presented on the two Mondays after the 16th of July. But if you can’t come on those days, you can still enjoy the show that is presented in the Camino Real Hotel, at 5 de Mayo # 300 on Fridays at 7 p.m.

LEGAL AID
If you have a complaint, lost your documents or been robbed, go to the Center for the protection of Tourists on Murguía 206, Tel. 514.2155

MONEY
There are many Automatic Teller Machines in Oaxaca. Banamex, corner of Hidalgo and 5 de Mayo (both streets), and Bancomer, corner of Garcia Vigil and Morelos, are close to the zócalo. American Express, Valdiveso and Hidalgo on the northeast corner of the zócalo doesn’t have an ATM but is open M-F 9-2 and 4-6:30 and Saturday 9-2, but you can use the Inverlat Automatic Teller in the Corner of Independencia and Alcala. There are several casas de cambio (money-changing storefronts) around the zócalo but you can get the best rates at Interdisa, Hidalgo & Valdivieso. Tel. 516 33 99 and at Casa de Cambio Puebla, García Vigil 106-L. Tel. 514.5103

PHOTOGRAPHY
No flash in churches or museums. Ask before taking photos of people. Video cameras and tripods are subject to a surcharge of approximately $30. pesos at most archeological sites.

POST OFFICE
The Main Post Office is located opposite the Cathedral at the corner of Independencia and the Alameda park. Hours are M-F 9-7 and Sat. 9-1.

SECURITY
If you take normal precautions you will have no problems. Keep an eye on your things when you go to the markets or ride on buses, leave your documents and valuable objects in the hotel strong box. Fortunaly, violent crime is rare in this city. Remember better safe than sorry.

STOMACH DISTRESS
Best way to avoid stomach distress is being carefull with food and drink. Vitamin supplement is a help, yogurt is good for healthy digestion.

TAXIS
Major taxi stand is along Independencia next to the Cathedral. Negotiate price first. Taxis to villages and archeological sites average around $ 100. pesos per hour. For the adventuresome, cheaper colectivo taxis to nearby villages depart from Abastos Market south of the city.

TIPS
As a general rule tips to waiters are 10% and if the service is excellent, tip 15% of the bill.

TOURISM INFO
For maps and other tourist information, visit the Tourism office at the northwest corner of Independencia and García Vigil, Tel. 51601 23. The Turismo Municipal office also provides information as well as hotel, car and tour reservations at García Vigil 517, Tel. 514.6633. You will find lots of information and very friendly and enthusiastic staff.